Finning UK aiming for growth in mining sector

Finning International deal set to support future of local jobs and mining industry in UK and Ireland

MINING operations in the UK are set to benefit from the recently announced  £300 million deal signed by Finning International Inc (represented in the UK by Cannock-based Finning UK and Ireland) to purchase a portion of the former Bucyrus/O&K mining equipment distribution business from Caterpillar Inc.

In the UK and Ireland, Finning say the deal will allow them to support local businesses and jobs by offering the most comprehensive mining equipment range and support solution in the industry, ranging from large face shovels to underground mining equipment together with the full range of Caterpillar products.

Gary Agnew, equipment solutions director at Finning UK and Ireland, commented: ‘The mining industry is hugely important to Finning and this agreement allows us to build even further on our core strength in this sector.

‘I’m confident that we now have the best equipment and the very best support available in the industry today, and we very much look forward to working with Bucyrus’ existing customers and playing our part in helping to drive the growth of the mining industry at both a local and national level.’

In the UK and Ireland the transition process from Caterpillar to Finning will take place in two phases, with Finning taking responsibility for the Bucyrus/O&K mining excavator range from 1 February 2012, followed by the underground equipment range from the beginning of April 2012.

On completion of the transition, Finning say they will be able to provide the most complete range of surface and underground mining equipment, together with ongoing support, parts and service, utilizing dedicated local support with nationwide backup. Parts inventory at the company’s Cannock and Glasgow facilities is being increased accordingly, and additional engineers are being recruited to the company’s mining team.

In addition to Cat dozers, graders, wheel loaders, excavators, mining trucks etc, Finning will be able to offer hydraulic shovels, highwall miners, surface drills, rope shovels, draglines, and surface belt systems, while the company’s underground mining equipment product line will increase from trucks and loaders to include seven new products including: roof supports, armoured face conveyors, shearers, drills, continuous miners, diesel transport and belt systems.

Mr Agnew continued: Every single former Bucyrus/O&K customer in the UK and Ireland is being contacted and will continue to receive an equal or better service to what they are accustomed to. Unparalleled service and support has always been vitally important to the Finning business and this will be no different for the mining sector.’